Controller
About The Position
The Controller directs the daily operations of Batten University’s Office of Finance, including supervision of personnel, oversight of financial systems, and administration of departmental policies and procedures. The role oversees accounting operations and financial reporting, coordinates the annual independent audit, and maintains internal controls and compliance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and applicable regulatory requirements. The Controller supports operating and capital budget preparation and monitoring, oversees cash management and banking relationships, and ensures accurate accounting for restricted and unrestricted funds, endowments, gifts, grants, and capital projects. The position coordinates payroll and employee benefit accounting with Human Resources and prepares financial analyses and reports for University leadership and the Board of Trustees. The Controller evaluates financial processes, risks, systems, technologies, accounting procedures, and internal controls, recommending improvements as needed. The role collaborates with University leadership, academic and administrative departments, auditors, banking partners, and other financial stakeholders. It requires sound judgment, confidentiality, and the ability to manage competing priorities. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for reporting deadlines, audits, budget preparation, and University activities. The position is full-time, 12 months, in the Office of Finance within the Division of Enterprise Strategy, located at Batten University in Virginia Beach, Virginia. The annual salary is $130,000. The position reports to the Chief Operations Officer/Vice President for Enterprise Strategy.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
- Significant professional experience in accounting and financial management, including supervisory responsibilities.
- Strong knowledge of GAAP, financial reporting, auditing, budgeting, and internal controls.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing accounting operations, financial reporting processes, and financial management functions.
- Proficiency with financial management systems, accounting software, and related technologies.
- Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and financial management skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex financial information to diverse audiences.
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound professional judgment, and manage competing priorities.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including personnel supervision and cross-departmental collaboration.
- Integrity, discretion, and commitment to responsible financial stewardship and institutional accountability.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field.
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
- Experience in higher education, nonprofit organizations, or similarly complex institutions.
- Experience with fund accounting, restricted and unrestricted funds, endowments, charitable contributions, and grants.
- Experience coordinating external financial audits and preparing financial reports for executive leadership or governing boards.
- Experience evaluating and improving financial management systems, accounting procedures, and internal controls.
Responsibilities
- Direct daily Office of Finance operations, including personnel supervision, financial systems oversight, and administration of departmental policies and procedures.
- Oversee the general ledger, accounts payable and receivable, cash receipts, financial reconciliations, and fixed asset accounting.
- Prepare and oversee timely monthly, quarterly, and annual financial statements, management reports, and related documentation.
- Coordinate the annual independent financial audit, act as the primary liaison with external auditors, and oversee required records and supporting documentation.
- Establish, maintain, and evaluate internal controls to safeguard University assets and promote financial accountability and compliance with GAAP and applicable regulations.
- Support preparation, implementation, and monitoring of annual operating and capital budgets in collaboration with University leadership.
- Oversee cash management, banking relationships, financial reconciliations, and related financial operations.
- Ensure accurate accounting and reporting for restricted and unrestricted funds, endowments, charitable gifts, grants, and capital projects.
- Coordinate payroll and employee benefit accounting with the Office of Human Resources.
- Prepare financial analyses, forecasts, and reports for University leadership and the Board of Trustees.
- Evaluate financial processes, identify operational and financial risks, and recommend corrective actions and improvements.
- Develop, implement, and maintain financial policies, accounting procedures, and internal control practices.
- Evaluate financial management systems and technologies and recommend improvements.
- Collaborate with academic and administrative departments to provide financial guidance and responsive financial services.
- Work with University leadership, external auditors, banking partners, and other financial stakeholders to support institutional financial objectives.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the Chief Operations Officer/Vice President for Enterprise Strategy.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
